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GC underpass construction begins

A major piece of the construction of the Goshen College underpass has begun and will be complete in about 24 hours.

Marlys Weaver-Stoesz

Posted on July 4, 2012 at 1:00 a.m.

As of 10:50 p.m., spectators were still waiting for the final train to pass through the campus. Because of some miscommunication between Norfolk Southern and project officials, the exact time of the last train wasn’t clear, according to Goshen College personnel, though it was to arrive likely at about 11 p.m.

Following the passing of the train, Norfolk Southern workers were ready to remove the tracks and signaling cable in order for construction workers to excavate.

The installation of the corridor will continue through today, but should be complete by Thursday. The schedule was for construction workers to dig out the soil between the two approaches to about an 18-foot depth, install drain lines and fill in part of the soil by mid-morning. From then until late afternoon, workers will install seven preformed sections of the underpass, connecting the two approaches, according to information from Goshen College.

During the evening, workers will fill in soil around the underpass and Norfolk Southern will return to put down the railroad track in time for Thursday’s first train to travel.

Once complete, the 10-foot, lit tunnel will connect stairs and a chair lift on either side of the railroad tracks. The underpass will be entirely finished this fall.

The public is welcome to watch the quick construction work, either by visiting the Recreational-Fitness Center on campus for information on the work and where spectators are allowed, or by watching the live camera footage available at www.goshen.edu/pr/underpass.